Janet Sprague, 82, of Wiscasset, died Feb. 18 following a brief illness.

She was born in Thomaston on Jan. 19, 1935, the daughter of Roland G. And Illie I. Smith Seekins.

She was a graduate of Crosby High School in Belfast, Maine, a member of the class of 1953. On May 29, 1954, she married Henry E. Sprague in Belfast.

At heart, Janet was a nurturer, she had a day care when her children were young, enabling her to care for her own and the neighborhood children. Later when her children were in high school she studied to become a CNA and worked for many years in Belfast area nursing homes caring for the residents. She went back to school in the ’90s and started teaching at a cosmetology school in Thomaston.

In her retirement, Janet and Henry built a log home in Wiscasset to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Janet and Henry loved to spend time with their family and pets, square dance and travel. Janet loved to garden, bake, can vegetables, quilt, knit, sew, read and feed the birds.

She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years in 2007; by a son, Henry E. “Jeep” Sprague in 1967; and grandson, Cody D. Anctil in 1991.

She is survived by her three children: daughters Elisha and her husband Rich Elliott, Karen and her husband Dan Anctil, and son, Kevin and his wife Sue Sprague; a brother, Roland Seekins and his wife Ginger; a sister, Deborah Rector and her husband Don; and her grandchildren, George Cook, Jill Cook, Alyson and Eric Daniels, Kasey Anctil, Josh and Kelsey Roberts, Cassandra and Dave Croteau, Dale Sprague, Deanne Sprague, Kelly and Tara Sprague, and Samantha Sprague; great-grandchildren, Leona, Olivia, Zoe, Cooper, Colton, and Cash; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Those who wish may make contributions in Janet’s memory to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter or the Jimmy Fund.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 4 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta. Should friends so desire, donations may be made in Janet’s memory to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556 or to the Jimmy Fund, c/o Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box #849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.

Spring interment will be in the family lot in Belfast. Condolences and messages for the family may be expressed by visiting: www.StrongHancock.com.